The Portuguese media today gives big coverage to Sporting’s match with Arsenal last night, with the clubs drawing 2-2 in Lisbon in the Europa League’s round-of-16 first leg.
The local press always considered Mikel Arteta’s side the favourites for this tie, and ended up being impressed by the Lions’ delivery and performance, now claiming that the Alvalade club may get a chance to clinch a place in the quarter-finals when playing in London.
Portuguese newspapers did not have many complaints about the referee, but today, Record highlights some quotes from Sporting fullback Matheus Reis, who claimed that there were some specific plays where Arsenal were helped by the officials.
According to the Brazilian, the Gunners had been grabbing players during set pieces, and the officials never called a foul. Not even when that led to the opener, scored by William Saliba.
“I was totally grabbed by Zinchenko and I don’t know how VAR didn’t say anything,” Matheus Reis told the Portuguese media (via Record).
“In all set pieces they were holding. We spoke with the referee, but in the 2nd half it was the same and nothing was done. I don’t know what went through his head, but I hope that in the second leg that will change.”
Arsenal now play Fulham at the weekend and then play the decisive game against Sporting at the Emirates next Thursday. The Gunners only need a simple victory to clinch a place in the quarter-finals.
